Engine repair covers everything from a misfire that throws a check-engine light to a full short-block replacement on a tired motor. Most engine jobs at Frank's Automotive start with a diagnostic — not a teardown — because there's almost always a wrong way and a right way to fix the symptom, and we'd rather spend an hour finding the right one than four hours doing the wrong one. We've been doing engine work in New Braunfels since 1998 and have seen the full range, from 4-cylinder commuters to V8 trucks.
What's involved
The work depends on what's actually wrong. Common engine-repair categories:
- Diagnostics — OBD-II scan with a Bosch scan tool, live-data analysis, compression test, leak-down test, smoke test for vacuum leaks, fuel-pressure and injector-flow checks
- Tune-up / drivability — spark plugs, coils, plug wires (where applicable), intake cleaning, throttle-body service
- Cooling system — water pump, thermostat, hoses, radiator (often catches overheating before head-gasket damage starts)
- Timing components — timing belt or chain, tensioners, guides
- Top-end work — valve covers, gaskets, head removal, head gaskets, valve adjustment
- Major repair — short-block, long-block, or full engine replacement (OEM or quality remanufactured)
Every job starts with a written estimate after diagnosis. We don't do exploratory teardowns — if a head needs to come off, we tell you first, give you a number, and you decide.
When to bring it in
Bring it to us if you're seeing:
- Check-engine light that won't go away, or one that's flashing (flashing means active misfire damaging the catalytic converter — pull over)
- Loss of power under acceleration or up hills
- Rough idle or stalling at stops
- Overheating in normal driving — coolant temperature climbing past the middle gauge mark
- Knocking or ticking that wasn't there before
- Blue smoke (oil burning), white smoke (coolant burning), or black smoke (rich fuel mixture) from the exhaust
- Oil consumption outside normal range (more than a quart between changes)
Don't drive an engine that's overheating, knocking, or losing oil pressure — the next 10 miles can cost you a $5,000 repair you could have avoided for $500.
Why Frank's for engine repair
Our service technicians are ASE Certified, we're a Bosch Service Center with the same scan tools the dealerships use, and we install OEM or OEM-equivalent parts. For major rebuilds we can source a quality remanufactured long-block as an alternative to a full overhaul. All engine work carries our 24-month / 24,000-mile warranty.
From tune-up to overhaul, we'll diagnose first, quote in writing, and only do the work you authorize. Request an appointment or call us at (830) 627-3939 with year, make, model, and what you're seeing.